Isabelle St. Godard (nee Rossier)
Obituary
Isabelle St. Godard (née Rossier), aged 92 years, of La Broquerie, MB., passed away on Monday, February 8, 2021 at Villa Youville, Ste. Anne, MB.
Isabelle was predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Antoine Bourrier, her second husband, Léon St.Godard, her parents, her brothers and sisters: Cécile, Edmond, Gisèle, Paul, Thérèse, her daughter-in-law, Marlene (Albert Bourrier), her sons-in-law: Gary Chornoby (Suzanne), Gilbert Verrier (Annette) and 11 brothers and sisters-in-law.
Isabelle leaves to mourn her 10 children: Ronald (Marjorie), Annette, Suzanne, Alexandre (Freda), Denis, Lilliane (Robert Bissonnette), Rita (Guy Clément), Albert (Romanda), Paul (Julie), Jeannine, 24 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, two sisters-in law: Emma (Don Décuypère), one brother-in law, André Chammartin, and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.
Maman was born in Notre Dame de Lourdes on the farm where sheep and goats grazed and where rows of raspberries and beautiful fruit trees grew. She met her sweetheart Antoine who came from St. Lupicin, just a hill away! “Bébelle”, as she was affectionally called and “Tony” were married on June 22,1948. They started their life together on his father’s farm. In the space of six years, five children were born, so you can imagine how busy Maman was!
From 1954 to 1958, they resided in St. Boniface where her hospitality was well known by the neighborhood children, because of her famous cookies and Kool Aid! The country life was more appealing therefore, a move was made to a farm in La Broquerie. Maman always had a clean and organized household. She did so much: big gardens, lots of canning, delicious jams made from picked raspberries, blueberries and cranberries. And that aroma of freshly baked bread! She even took the time to make soap and milk the cows. In the evenings, it was mending time. Sundays were less busy, but she still had to get the children ready for church! Maman had this “joie de vivre”, loved to talk, laugh and tell us stories about her youth. She loved to welcome family and friends with her delicious meals.
Another move was made when a hog farm was purchased. By this time, the family had grown to 10 children! They lived there for eight years, then they returned to the first farm where a brand-new house was built. Finally, Maman was being spoiled a little! One by one, the older children were leaving the house to make their own lives and thus making life a little easier. Unfortunately, eight years later, Maman had to face the tragic loss of our Papa. With immense courage, she started her new life in St. Boniface. Six years later, she met the charming Léon. This chapter of her life was easier going. They had the chance to camp and tour in their beautiful modern camper. They also enjoyed wonderful trips to Hawaii and Mexico. Throughout the years, during our many family get-togethers, she got the chance to know and spend time with her many grandchildren, whom she loved.
Sadly, she was afflicted with Vascular dementia and at a point where she needed more care, was moved to a long term care facility. Her decline was slow but evident. The last year 2020, was especially difficult because of the Covid restrictions. We now have the assurance that her suffering has ended and she is happy since she is in the glorious company of Jesus and her many loved ones!
We will always love you, dear Maman, and till we meet again!
We would like to thank the nursing staff of the Villa and a special thank you to our “angel”, Sr. Rioux.
Due to Covid, a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.
